5·18 Burial Site Visit Yoon Seok-yeol: "Gwangju's Blood Blossomed the Flower of Democracy in South Korea" (Update)

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Gwangju=Asia Economy Reporter Geum Bo-ryeong] Yoon Seok-yeol, the presidential candidate of the People Power Party, paid respects at the Gwangju May 18th Cemetery on the 10th and said, "I bow my head and apologize to all those who were hurt."

On the same day, Yoon visited the National May 18th Democratic Cemetery and stated, "I clearly remember that over 40 years ago, the citizens of Gwangju sacrificed with blood and tears for the democracy of the Republic of Korea."

This visit was arranged to apologize for remarks made during the earlier primary process, where Yoon appeared to defend former President Chun Doo-hwan. He had previously said in Busan, "Except for May 18th, former President Chun did well in politics."

Yoon emphasized, "The painful history of Gwangju has become a proud history of the Republic of Korea, and the blood of Gwangju has blossomed democracy in Korea," adding, "All of us living in this era are sons and daughters of May Gwangju."

He continued, "If I become president, I will create a dynamic Gwangju and Honam full of dreams and hope beyond the sad and bitter history," and said, "Please watch over me. I will surely achieve the national unity you desire and inherit and develop the democracy you have won."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.